Dolittle

Yes, the last time I flew, at the boarding gate, the TSA was doing random searches of passengers and all they were doing was checking your carry-on. It's something new they started within the last year. It's part of the randomness of checking for weapons and explosive components. I used to work for the TSA and I can tell you that everybody gets screened one way or another. You might not even notice or you may get selected for extra screening and then it becomes noticeable. I can tell you,, that the second you step inside the airport,, your getting screened one way or another. The TSA's number one goal is to make sure 911 doesn't happen again. I know going through the TSA security can be a pain in the butt some times,, but if the TSA didn't exist, the terrorists would do it again.

Great video Lisa, I don't want to rain on your parade or take any of your credit away from you. I know where your coming from. Being obese can limit your life and I thank my lucky stars everyday that I decided on the lap band. Just a couple weeks back, my wife and I went on an Eastern Caribbean Cruise. I got to do stuff my "fat butt" would have never even thought of at 300lbs. So here's a picture of Dolittle doing some rock wall climbing.

OK, here's one from a guy. I've been married for over 33 years. I was heavy, 250lbs when we got married and bounced between that and 300lbs. In college I weighed in at 350lbs, but I managed to lose 100 before I met my wife. Well, as the years go by my wife became less interested in sex, I always thought it was me, or my weight, I don't know. After 31 years at the same place of employment, I retired in 2006 and started gaining weight. I thought I was going to heading back to my college weight. After hitting the 300lb mark, I went to the OCC and became lap banded. It was the smartest thing I ever did and lost 100lbs. But, now I'm at 200lbs and I still have the same problem,, the wife doesn't care about sex. My conclusion is that we all think its our fault, but in reality,, its not. We try to make ourselves better, we try to change, we lose the weight, but its still the same ole story. So, don't blame yourself, its your spouses problem. But, if your still thinking of the AGB, its the smartest thing I ever did, I love my lap band. If your already banded, just keep up the good work and lose the weight,, maybe he'll come around. As far as my wife goes,, I don't know what to do next, I guess time will tell.

I got a reply back from the coordinator I know up in Chicago, she had never heard of anyone having problems other than needing a letter of nessessity. Her opinion was, which I can't repeat, cause this is a family forum, LOL, she thought this was just another way for the FSA insurance provider to stiff you. I'd call the IRS, they have a toll free number. Also, the FSA provider should provide you, in writing, with a copy of the so called section 125 IRS code and as to why they declined the medical bill. Please keep us up to date to what you find out and if you get this resolved.

I went to IRS.gov and tried to find that sec 125 article. I couldn't find it. I do know if you have a letter of nessessity from your doctor you should be OK. I'm going to email a coordinator up in the Chicago area and ask her about FSA and fills. I'll get back to you soon.

My wife and I have something similar, a HSA (Health Savings Account) and we were issued a credit/debit card to use when we had any medical services done. If the medical provider didn't accept credit/debit cards we could just call a 800 number and they would pull that amount out of the account and send it to us. I go to a Chicago area doctor for my band adjustments and I use the HSA to pay for it. I've never had any problems or anyone questioning any of my band related charges. If you need a letter of nessessity, call your OCC coordinator or the Rene at the OCC and they will help you with that. PS. Don't forget to keep track of all your out of pocket medical bills. Medical, Dental, Vision, Airfare, Hotels, mileage and etc, you can write it all off on your taxes! There are several topics here at the forum posted talking about medical tax deductions.

I had to edit the price out from another members post. If you wish to consult the OCC about lap band surgery,, your more than welcome to call one of the OCC coordinators. The phone number is 1 866 376 7849 ext 81

I had an endoscopy at the 1 1/2 year mark, I wasn't having any complications. I had it done for my own piece of mind,, They checked for erosion and other stuff. It's like when you hit age 50 they recommend a colonoscopy.

A lot of patients do just what you asked,, they go down to TJ and have the OCC check things out. Also,, they might recommend that when you hit the 1 1/2 to 2 year mark that you might just want to have an Endoscopy done. The OCC can arrange that at another clinic, there is a cost, I don't know what it is, but I'm sure it's reasonable compared to the USA.

I can say you don't want to have restriction from the get go. The band needs to sit there and heal in place to minimize slippage. If you have restriction from the beginning you could increase your odds on having some kind of complication. Go with what your doctor recommends. Dr. Ortiz has done thousands of these procedures. They know when they tell you something it's for your own good. They don't want you to have any complications after surgery. They want you to succeed!

I don't know why the OCC would state that the dental services would be by appointment only? My understanding now is that the dental service is closed. I put out an email to the dentist to see if she's going to work for another clinic,, she was great, I'd like to find out where shes going and maybe head back to TJ and have some more dental work done.

Quennee is right,, As of todays date,, Recovery by the Sea is closed. I got an email from the owner the other day blaming everyone why they closed,, when all told,, she was her number one reason, she needed to look into the mirror and blame that person.

I remember when I stayed there, they had issues they needed to work on and never could get it together professionally. I guess it caught up with them. I think they could have had a gold mine if they just did a few things different. Now,, if Cosmed would just get their new clinic open,, they're going to do their own in house recovery. But it's still not finished, supposed to be spring of next year??

Everyone goes through this anxiety thing, You'll be fine. I don't know where you got the information about Allergan/Inamed, but Dr. Ortiz used to be their number one protor doctor in the USA. That means he used to go around the USA and teach the American surgeons the lap band proceedure. As far as I know,, they now come to him and the OCC clinic. He's too busy to be running around the USA. I remember back in Jan 2007, I called Inamed and got a great recommendation from their head guy. The Oprah segment ran twice. I don't know how you can see it, did you try Oprahs website and see if you could look at older segments? Dr. Ortiz was also on the Doctors show. Both show topics were concerning Teenage weight loss surgery.

As far as I know and what Loribecky posted, the OCC dental services still exist. It's now by appointment. Call 1-866-376-7849 and talk to the OCC clinic. I had some dental work done at the OCC while I was in TJ last month. The dentist, Dr. Marisol, she's awesome!!!

I'll be doing a cruise next week too. I don't think it will be any different than being at home. My band will control the amount of food I'll be able to eat. Yes,, there's going to be a big selection of food, but I'll have to be selective myself and choose wisely.

Everyone goes through this. Some can't wait and are looking forward to the surgery date. Some have alot of anxiety, wondering if this the right thing to do and how their lives are going to change. I think the pre surgery time frame is worse than the after surgery/before your first fill, which some refer to it as "Bandster Hell" LOL. The time will fly by,, don't worry about the pre-op diet,, just do your best and stay away from the kids Halloween candy. All I can say is 6 months to a year from now,, everyone will be wondering where the weight went. If you haven't told anyone,, that's sort of a joke,, kind of,, they'll all be wondering how you did it. It will drive them nuts. LOL

When I was banded in March of 2007,, Dr. Ortiz only used 2 bands back then. It was either the 4cc lap band or the 10cc lap band. The Relize band wasn't even on the market. During surgery, he made the decision on which band the patient needed. It depended on how much fat was surrounding your stomach. So the older bandsters would have to vote "no", thus,, making this poll kind of skewed.

December,, it's that month we all love, it's a month of food. Everywhere you turn there's parties and family get togethers. Between Thanksgiving and New Years, it seems that's all we do is eat. I've always said that whenever a patient schedules their surgery or fill in this month, they must be one serious,, committed, on a mission person. It takes a lot of courage to get banded or schedule an adjustment during this month. So lets hear from all of the December bandsters. This is where you can hook up and meet those who have no fear. They have decided enough is enough and have taken charge of their weight issues. The December bandster is a real hero and inspiration. PS,, Truthfully,, All bandsters are hero's!!!

Well, Halloween is over and you've ate all the kids candy,, shame on you! Next is Thanksgiving and then the Christmas holiday's are here. Your weight just doesn't seem to go down,, but it just keeps going up. Your now in the middle of the "Fatting Season", what are you going to do? Your going to take charge of your life and you've decided to have lap band surgery. This topic is where you can meet other patients and see if there going to be at the OCC at the same time as you. So lets hear from those who are coming to the OCC in the month of November for either their surgery or a band adjustment.

Extra skin??? Hmmm. This subject is one of those deals where you'll find out after you lose all your weight. Everyone is different, for some, their skin just tightens right up,, for some,, not so lucky. It depends on your age,, weight you need to lose, if you have had kids. how long you've been obese, etc. With what you stated, 150lbs, you might need some plastic surgery.

I don't think the Cancun hospital is an option any more. Last I heard,, the clinic was wiped out by one of those big hurricanes years back and was never rebuilt. I don't know why that info is still on the OCC website.

Yes, the band will make you think about what your eating and why your eating. I really don't remember the liquid and mushy weeks right after surgery, It goes by so quickly. I can say that there is a learning curve those first couple months of what you can eat and not eat. Emotionally it can be tough,, as time goes by, the band is doing it's job and the weight comes off, you'll be HAPPY and love your band.

I remember I walked 5 miles the day after surgery,, but if you have to do any heavy lifting, I'd be careful for a couple weeks or more. If you don't have to lift stuff and have an office job,, you shouldn't have any problems. My advice would be to consult your doctor and tell him what your job duties are,, see what he says.